What is Title Insurance?

The fine folks at The Talon Group answer a question on everyone’s mind: “what the heck is title insurance?” in this short video.

(Video is not available)

It’s good to understand what is covered with a title insurance policy.  Typically the seller pays for the buyer’s policy (Owners Policy) which assures the buyer of issues such as vesting (the seller is authorized to sell the property) and that the title is free and clear of liens.   The buyer generally pays for the lenders policy to assure the lender will be in first lien position (Lenders Policy).

Unlike other forms of insurance (auto, health, home, etc.), there are no renewal fees.  Title insurance actually covers you from the point of recording the new deed backwards into time.

Stay tuned for more videos from the cast and crew and The Talon Group.

Vesting: How to Take Title for Your Real Property

UPDATE 1/5/12: With First American Title absorbing The Talon Group, apparently they decided to take down many of the videos the talented crew at Talon created for consumers. Here is a pdf that contains information on vesting: Download Different Ways of Holding Title.

UPDATE 5/15/2013: Wow! It looks like this video is back… thanks, First Am!

If you are buying a home in Washington State, it’s important to consider how you are going to hold title (vesting), especially if you’re buying with another individual and you are unmarried.  Tim Daniels, Chief Title Office of The Talon Group, shares various ways people can consider for vesting of their real estate property.

Looks like the video is gone again… sigh

Is your agent in bed with a title company?

Mpj040977300001In the Sunday issue of Seattle Times, Ken Harney addresses the cozy set ups (affiliated business arrangements) that drive up the costs of title insurance.  Before I dig into this topic, I thought I’d give you a little bit of title insurance 411. [Read more…]